At the end of the day, the Guam High Panthers took both the boys and girls title, making the sweep for the first time in the school’s history. Another first for the military school, Guam High also claimed the first ever boys cross country championship.

“This is the first time that Guam High has ever swept. I would be happy with just one championship, but the fact that they swept today, it’s just phenomenal. That really says a lot about, number one, the program, and number two, the kids. I’m very thankful, the kids showed up to run today,” said Panthers coach Joe Taitano.

Due to the pouring rain this past week, the mucky ground made it difficult for runners as they had to adjust to the slippery terrain. Some runners were lucky to finish with mud-covered legs; some unlucky ones were covered from head to toe in mud after slipping and falling on the soggy, muddy ground.

For the girls, the Panthers took first with 56 points; the Islanders took second with 62 points, while the former champs, the Geckos managed to take third with 78 points.

The Guam High boys upset last year’s champions, the Islanders, by a mere one point; the still ecstatic Islanders took second with 66 points. The Harvest boys took third place with a total of 87 points.

Last year’s boys champion, Brandon Fell from St. John’s, did not compete.

Top finishers

St. John’s Freshman Taylor Fell

The young Taylor Fell, only a freshman this year, topped the girls division with a time of 22 minutes and 35 seconds, well over a minute ahead of the competition.

And even though Fell has been coming in first all season long, she still gets the jitters before her races.

“I always get nervous for every race,” said Fell.

“I train hard and I stay humble,” said Fell about her preparation for All-Island.

The Islanders’ John Aquino IV finished first overall in the boys division with a time of 18 minutes and 40 seconds.

“It was really tough, but there is no excuse what kind of course it is. As long as you take the best, and take the race, you’re all good; you don’t need to worry about the time because everyone had a bad time,” said Aquino.

“I didn’t expect to take first because anything can happen,” he added.

JFK Junior John Aquino IV

Although the Islanders came up one point short of the championship, Aquino is still very proud of his team.

“As a team, and individually, oh my gosh, I’m very proud because my team pushed me to the limit; to never give up even though I was going through a hard time over the summer. I’m very proud of my team; we still have a long way together. We’re going to take it to the limits.”

And while some might run for a championship, a medal, or maybe just to meet a goal, Aquino ran his heart out for a different reason.

“But you know what? I’m running for my dad. He just passed away recently, but I’m glad to get first, I’m running for him. Still got a long way to go. Even though I’m a junior, I still have a long way to go.”

“Thank you, God. Thank you for my team, and all the hard work my team did for me. We’re spirited.”